Drop in swine flu cases leads to helpline closure

The National Pandemic Flu Service in England is to close because of the sharp decline in cases of the H1N1 swine flu virus. From Thursday anyone who needs medical help because of flu will no longer be able to access anti-viral drugs online or via a helpline. At its peak, 40,000 people a week received antivirals through the National Pandemic Flu Service. But the figure has now fallen to below 5,000 a week.

England was the only part of the UK to use this system, and health officials say it could be restored to full operation in seven days should the situation change. Anyone who thinks they have flu can check their symptoms online. If they still have concerns they can contact NHS Direct (NHS24 in Scotland) or call their GP. The Chief Medical Office for England, Sir Liam Donaldson has repeated his call for parents of children aged six months to under five to have them immunised - even though cases of swine flu are very low.